The last quarter of the year is commonly dedicated to holding of gatherings and Christmas parties that coincides with Gender and Development Activities in schools and offices. For this year, however, the usual face-to-face assembly of people will have to be limited and subjected to minimum public health standards to prevent the high risk of contracting COVID-19.
To ensure the health and safety of all personnel in the observance of year-end activities, the following risk-mitigation measures set by the Department of Health as per DC No. 2020-0355 are herein reiterated for the guidance of all concerned:
- Limiting the number of people in social gatherings and activities;
- Avoiding activities that may include traveling;
- Opting to do activities with only a short duration of contact;
- Practicing BIDA (B- bawal walang mask, I- i-sanitize ang mga kamay, D- dumistansya ng isang metro, A- alamin ang totoong impormasyon);
- Avoiding contact on high-touch surfaces;
- Ensuring proper ventilation in venues; and
- Increasing mental and physical resilience.
A copy of DOH Circular No. 2020-0355 is attached hereto for reference.
Moreover, the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease on mass gatherings for areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) as per Section 5 of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (with amendments as of November 19, 2020) should also be followed:
“Mass gatherings such as but not limited to, movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, religious services and work conferences shall be allowed provided that participants shall be limited to fifty percent (50%) of the seating or venue capacity. (As amended by paragraph A (4) of IATF Resolution No. 43, June 03, 2020)”
In the event that officials and personnel deem it unworkable to observe the cited protocols, it is encouraged that virtual or online gatherings be held instead.
The foregoing guidelines are reiterated without prejudice to other protocols that may further be set by the IATF and other national government agencies.
Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this memorandum are desired.
